Despite odds-on favourite Dudes The Man making his best effort to sustain his bid after losing cover, the stakes winner could not reel in JK Panache ($9.70), who flaunted a strong late turn of foot despite pressure in Saturday (July 16) evening's featured $9,000 Open/Preferred Pace at Vernon Downs.
Truman Gale used a bold middle move with JK Panache to achieve control after a :55.1 half mile, forging clear with three-eighths to go after tracking from third in the early stages. Upon assuming the lead, JK Panache faced stiff pressure from Dudes The Man (Chris Lems) for the entirety of the far turn. After sustaining that threat through a :27 third quarter, JK Panache opened up under a drive, sprinting off by 3-1/2 lengths for a 1:49.3 triumph. Titus Seelster (Jimmy Whittemore) was all-out to claim second in the last yards over a beleaguered Dudes The Man.
Trainer David Dewhurst shares ownership of 39-time winner JK Panache with Philip Hale.
For Gale, the win was one of two on the evening. John MacDonald's natural hat trick with Avogadro Hanover ($4.20, 1:54), Dancin Thea ($10.80, 1:57.3), and Forty Carrots ($5.00, 1:52.4) earned him top driving honours on the 10-race card.
Live harness racing returns to the Miracle Mile on Thursday (July 21) evening, with an all-stakes 12-race program featuring a $792.58 Pick 5 carryover and New York-sired two-year-old trotting colts and geldings. First race post time is slated for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
(with files from Vernon)